Island Club 2015 Calendar of Events Put-in-Bay

JANUARY 2015

January 1

New Year's Day 2015

Happy New Year's 2015 to all our friends from IslandClub.com! The new year is upon us and we will officially start booking your 2015 summer reservations. It may be wintery where you are today, but close your eyes and think ahead to a sunny vacation rental home at Put-in-Bay Ohio! For home rental reservations and information, please call 216-898-9951. We look forward to saying hi!

FEBRUARY 2015

February 12-14

11th Annual Put-in-Bay Days in Key West

Sloppy Joe's Bar has bottled up a bit of Lake Erie's summer and will open it up in Key West Florida from February 12th - 14th to celebrate one island's culture to the other. Put-in-Bay's favorite entertainers perform alongside Key West's most popular performers. On the schedule to perform again this year are the absolute best performers that Put-in-Bay Ohio has to offer: Mike "Mad Dog" Adams, the infamous Bob Gatewood, Pete and Wayne, Ray Fogg, and island legend Patrick Houston Dailey. Take it from us at the Island Club, if you want to go then book your hotel rooms NOW rather than later. Just like Put in Bay, finding last minute accommodations is near impossible. This event is a great way to put some Put-in-Bay fun into a long winter season and see your island friends that you don't usually see between seasons.

MARCH 2015

March 17

St. Patrick's Day at the Bay!

If you can make it across the ice, then come bring your friends and join the islanders for an Irish themed day at the Bay! There are a few bars open over the winter including The Reel Bar, and on this special Irish day they all turn green. We may be close to Canada and live in the USA, but everyone here is from Ireland for just one day. The Bay Lodging Resort will be open for guests for this traditional holiday as we get ready to open the island Club for our fishermen friends. Book securely online or give us a jingle at 216-898-9951 to inquire.

APRIL 2015

April 1

OPEN FOR THE SEASON!!!

Spring is finally here and the island is officially open to tourists and visitors. It's always a great time of year to break the winter doldrums and head back to Put-in-Bay to enjoy the quiet beauty of the Bay! April weekends are bonus weekends at the Island Club, Bay Lodging Resort, and the Put-in-Bay Condos. It is also Fishermen Weekend! For reservations, please call 216-898-9951.

Enjoy great weekend entertainment and if fishing is your sport of choice there is no better Walleye fishing than the waters surrounding Put-in-Bay. Enjoy reduced rates at Put-in-Bay Ohio's most popular home rentals which open early to accommodate our early visitors! Just click a link above and book your Spring fun trip today!!

April 10-11

Fishermen's Weekend

One of the most popular weekends for celebrating Lake Erie's incredible fishing with friends, it is an island season starter with some great home rental rates.

April 12

Whiskey Light at the Roundhouse Bar

The lighting of the Whiskey Light over the Roundhouse Bar entrance is an island tradition that dates back dozens of years. It is an acknowledgement to boaters and islanders alike that "the bar is now open" and the season has begun. The actual lighting usually happens around 2 PM and there is always some unique entertainer playing music and entertaining the crowd to open the season. Visit our entertainment page for additional information and to see who is playing.

April 17-18

Mr Ed's 9th Annual Island Pajama Party

Ready to start the season at Put-in-Bay? Break out those sexy, funny, or unique PJ's and head to the bay for Mr. Ed's 9th annual pajama party weekend! Great prizes, contests, and entertainment! Our rental homes offer discounted rates for this fun early season event as well as our Bay Lodging location. There is usually a DJ and a band playing all weekend for your musical entertainment.

April 24-25

Bachelor/Bachelorette Weekend #1

The second of two popular weekends to gather with friends and family to celebrate upcoming weddings, groups enjoy early season rates and specials and have some great weekend parties in our rental homes. Be sure to book early as this is a popular weekend for bachelorettes!

MAY 2015

The official start of Put in Bay summer fun is the annual Put-in-Bay Spring Fling. This event has grown in size each year for almost two decades as more and more people hear about it. The party is hosted at the Island Club Rentals subdivision and is exclusively for guests of the Island Club, Bay Lodging Resort, and Put-in-Bay Condos only. You must be a registered guest at one of these establishments to attend. No exceptions will be made for liability purposes! Be sure to reserve your hotel room or rental home early as this weekend always books up and sells out quickly!

What is the Spring Fling? It is a big block party that usually attracts over 1700 people for 2 days of free adult beverages, and a Saturday full of free food and awesome live entertainment to start the season off right! As a bonus for those who will be heading downtown, many island businesses offer great discounts on food and merchandise for party attendees who show their wristbands! Stay tuned for the special guest band --- CHECK BACK SOON!

Remember, book EARLY as this weekend fills fast! For home rentals, please call 216-898-9951.

May 2

All Sport FUNdamentals Put-in-Bay Draft Day 5k FUN Run

All Sport FUNdamentals will kick off its first summer charity run on Spring Fling Weekend Saturday, May 2, 2015 in the heart of downtown Put-in-Bay, Ohio. The race will begin in DeRivera Park with views of the harbor and Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial and will take you across the island of beautiful South Bass Island. As you race for the finish , 5k participants will run along shoreline cliffs with views of Rattlesnake, Green, Middle Bass and Gibraltar Islands as well as historic Lonz Winery and Stone Laboratory. A great family event!

May 5

Cinco de Mayo

You may not think of Put-in-Bay when you think of Cinco de Mayo, but rest assured, we know how to celebrate! From Rita's Cantina to Big Man's Burrito Stand, and every place in between, the island restaurants and bars open their doors and welcome everyone. Just like St. Patty's Day, today everyone is Mexican on the island! Join us for the festivities!

May 8-9

Put-in-Bay's Mardi Gras Weekend

Break out the beads and your traditional yellow, green and purple for the annual Mardi Gras at the BAY! Bachelor & Bachelorette party weekend at the Island Club! Celebrate this great southern tradition Put-in-Bay Island Style on the north coast! One of the popular weekends for those about to be married to celebrate their upcoming nuptials at Put-in-Bay.

May 10

Mothers' Day

What better way to surprise Mom than to bring her up to Put-in-Bay for the weekend?!? Mother's Day is always an exciting weekend up on the island as most all of the shops have just opened up and there are sales on brand new 2015 Put-in-Bay gear and clothing all over the island! Renting a home at the Island Club is a perfect way to bring the family to the island and stay all together in comfort. Plan a Mother's Day trip to Put-in-Bay today!

May 12

28th Annual Blessing of the Fleet

This annual event is recognized across many boating communities worldwide dating back to ancient times as a way to safeguard the fleet against the coming year's storms and protect the boats from harm. Local clergy from St Paul's and Mother of Sorrows churches will be on hand to bless the vessels that service South Bass Island and the other Lake Erie Islands including Coast Guard watercraft and Life Flight helicopters. Please stop by if you are in town and enjoy some hot coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies on the dock along with friendly camaraderie.

May 15-16

Victoria Day Weekend

This special weekend is an island celebration that commemorates over 2 centuries of peace between the United States, Canada and Great Britain. There will be historical activities in and around the monument, and if you are more adventurous then you can take part in the 11th annual Victoria Weekend "Put-in-Bay Downtown Scavenger Hunt". The Scavenger Hunt takes place from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Saturday and is open to the public. The best part is that it all takes place on golf carts! Be sure to reserve your golf cart online by visiting the new Island Club Cart Rentals website.

There are lots of great prizes including Put-in-Bay mini-vacations for two people (lodging, transportation, meals), attractions and souvenirs. This is by far one of the best kept secrets on South Bass Island if you are looking for fun and large prizes with just a small entry fee. Registration will take place at Delaware Carts located at the Edgewater Hotel on Delaware Ave downtown. For home rental reservations and information, please call 216-898-9951.

May 16

Perry's Victory Visitor Center Opens

The Perry's Victory Visitor Center and Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Stop by and go to the top for the best view of the Lake Erie islands and on a good day, you can even see Canada! This is a great week to bring the family and rent a house.

May 16

Island Wide Garage Sale

Downtown Put-in-Bay businesses and island residents join together for one gigantic sale on Saturday. Take advantage of great discounts on merchandise and various island treasures. The annual sale starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 5:00 PM. Maps with locations of the garage sales will be distributed the day of the event.

May 22-25

Memorial Day Weekend

One of the most popular weekends of the year at Put-in-Bay, this three day weekend is many families end of school year and start of summer vacations. Houses rent very fast! Put-in-Bay's most popular entertainers return to the island this weekend, many with multiple shows! Make sure to book your hotel reservations early so you don't miss out on the fun! Memorial Day Services honoring our Veterans are held at the Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial visitor's center plaza, with a full agenda of events planned for the whole weekend, especially Saturday. On Monday there will be a Memorial Day Parade featuring antique and classic cars, and also the usual Sunday Skip Duggan Car Club's Classic Car Parade at 2:30 PM.

May 29-7

Ohio Bike Week's "Rally on the Rock"

Ohio Bike Week began as the North Coast Thunder Rally & Ohio State H.O.G. Rally in 1999 and 2000. In 2006, North Coast Thunder Rally was rebranded as Ohio Bike Week. Since then, Ohio Bike Week has become a 10-day premier event planned around the dates for the AHDRA Ohio Bike Week Nationals. The Rally on the Rock portion of Bike Week started when bikers discovered the fun and entertainment to be had on South Bass Island at Put-in-Bay. Ohio Bike Week offers many days of great activities, entertainment and rides-Many at NO CHARGE.

Island bikers can enjoy a Hog Roast in DeRivera Park from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM & entertainment from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Sunday, May 31. There are many contests, prizes, and live music. Donations will be accepted for St. Jude's Children's Hospital. The fun continues with the island's second Scavenger Hunt of the season, except this one takes place on bikes! Bikers will begin Sunday at 3:00 PM from the Put-in-Bay Resort & Conference Center and tour the island on the scavenger hunt which concludes at 5:30 PM at the Blue Marlin Bar & Grill at the PIB Resort. Winners will be announced and prizes handed out. For home rental reservations and information, please call 216-898-9951.

JUNE 2015

June 5-7

2015 Invitational Mills Trophy Race

The Mills Trophy Race is the premier sailing race on Lake Erie and is sponsored by the Toledo Yacht Club. It began in 1907 as a test of navigational skills on Lake Erie. The race has been held nearly every year since then and is unique in that it is raced at night. Although the race was originally configured as a triangle beginning and ending at the Toledo Yacht Club, since 1981 the race has begun at the harbor light and ended here at Put-in-Bay. That makes it a 35 year tradition for the Put-in-Bay Yacht Club being involved. Come visit the island this weekend, rent a house or condo, and see hundreds of sailing ships lining the docks in downtown Put-in-Bay. great views from teh lawn in front of our Put-in-Bay Condos.

June 11-14

21st Annual Phlocking of the Phaithful

This is our annual Jimmy Buffet tribute weekend and most island businesses decorate and hold special events for the "parrot heads" who flock to the island. It's a little known fact, but the "Phlocking of the Phaithful" is the second oldest continuously running Parrot Head and Trop Rock event in the country! Mr. Ed's Bar & Grille and the Commodore Resort is the host location and homebase for the weekend's festivities. To get the full experience, guests need to register at the Phlocking Website where you can find more information about all the goodies you get with your Phlocking registration. Many groups decorate their rental homes in the Island Club with Jimmy Buffett themed goodies!

June 13

Put-in-Bay Pooch Parade

This long time island event benefits the Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church. Registration begins at 10:00 AM at the DeRivera Park gazebo, and the parade and contests start almost promptly at 10:30 AM. Prizes are handed out for cutest, smallest, largest, most talented, individual best dressed, group best dressed, and dog that looks most like its owner. Cats are not invited. This is always a great time and a family event shared by many.

June 14

41st Annual Jose DeRivera Founders Day Celebration

One of the most entertaining and heartfelt weekends of the summer, Founders Day celebrates Hispanic merchant Jose DeRivera who in 1854 purchased South Bass, Middle Bass, Sugar, Gibraltar, Ballast and Starve Islands for a price of $44,000. Throughout the following years, he sold off parcels of the land including the school property for $1 and the St. Paul's church property for $10. This day celebrates the island's heritage and DeRivera's good deeds.

Founders Day means always great food and lots of fun for the entire family. Most of the events are held in DeRivera Park, aptly named after Jose, downtown from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Island entertainment usually performs a free concert in the afternoon from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM. The Put-in-Bay Hog Roasters often provide a great roast hog picnic lunch for a small donation. Shoppers will be happy to find fantastic bargains at one of the many sale tables and pick up information on one of our non-profit groups that rely on the support of our community and visitors.

June 19-22

7th Annual Pyrate Fest Weekend at the Bay

Pyrates invade Put-in-Bay's downtown harbor for the 7th year in a row on Friday at 4:00 PM to open the 2015 Put-in-Bay Pirate Fest. Saturday is a fun-packed day for the kids and adults alike with a Pirate Parade wandering around the park downtown and a Costume Contest for both kids and adults. The best adult costume wins a trip to the Cayman Islands! There is a Pyrate marketplace and displays, a kid's fun fest and black powder firing demonstrations every day during the event. Monday evening wraps up the event with the infamous Cardboard Boat Races at 6:00 PM in the downtown harbor. Discover many fun pirate events such as reenactors demonstrating sword fighting techniques and the art of skullduggary. Kids can practice with foam swords too! Fireworks delight the whole family on Saturday at dusk. This is a great family weekend, so reserve your home rental today and bring up some pirate flags to decorate your front porch! For home rental reservations and information, please call 216-898-9951.

June 21-26

Arts on Erie

A weeklong arts program for children teaches them various crafts and activities at Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial Visitor Center. The week kicks off with a Family Night Concert at the Perry Memorial Visitor Center at 7:00 PM.

June 28

Perry's Victory Triathlon & Family Races at Put-in-Bay

This is a great opportunity to get the family all together one last time before the kids go back to school! It will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2015 at Put-in-Bay, Ohio (South Bass Island). The route has been designed to take you on a scenic tour of the historic island of Put-in-Bay with the hub of the race being held on the lawn of the Peace Garden at Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial. This is a great event for first time du/triathletes as well as seasoned veterans. The event will offer a Sprint Triathlon, Sprint Duathlon, Kids FUN Run and for the second time a 5k Run. For home rental reservations and information, please call 216-898-9951.

JULY 2015

July 1

Canada Day

Celebrate Canada with cake and learn about our partnership with Canada and the long-lasting peace between our countries for almost 200 years at the Perry's Victory Visitor Center.

July 4

Fourth of July Fireworks

Special holidays are made even more special up at Put-in-Bay. On this, our national day of independence, the island's businesses and partners come together to sponsor one of the best fireworks displays on all of Lake Erie. Traditionally, it is always held on the exact date of July 4th, rain or shine. The rockets are launched from a barge towed out into the middle of the Bay and the best viewing locations are always on the Perry's Victory lawn and along the seawall. For a little more creature comfort, find a seat (VERY early!) at the Boardwalk or The Keys. Music from the Perry's Visitor Center accompanies the beautiful display.

July 5

Freedom Concert

Once again, the Central Ohio Symphony will come up to the island to perform at the Freedom Concert. They will play in the open air on the Monument patio at 6:30 PM. Arrive early for best seating. This is truly a wonderful family event to finish off a fun-filled July 4th Weekend at Put-in-Bay.

July 11-12

The Put-in-Bay Cup (Soccer Challenge)

Put-in-Bay's 10th annual "Soccer Challenge" will be held at the McCann Field near downtown. This year it is called "The Put-in-Bay Cup". This amateur adult soccer tournament is a 6 on 6 match with rosters limited to 10 players. The tournament will be played on a 60 by 40 pitch with no offside. Goals are 6 by 12 feet and a size 4 ball is used. The Put-in-Bay Resort & Conference Center, Island Club and the Bay Lodging Resort are recommended hotels for the tournament.

The Put-in-Bay Cup is a highly anticipated island event. This is truly the essence of a soccer party. The Put-in-Bay Cup offers a great time on and off the field for players and fans alike. Remember to book your rooms early as they fill up fast on this beautiful summer weekend. Players from Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virginia and Canada are expected to compete once again. Divisions include men's open, B, 30+ & 40+; women's open, B & 30+; coed open & recreational. Coed teams are required to have two female players on the field at all times. Tournament weekends include a three-game guarantee. For home rental reservations and information, please call 216-898-9951 early!!! Our homes and condos sell out quickly for this VERY popular weekend event!

July 17-2

Sailing Regattas

Stay tuned for more details as we receive them. This time of year we see the I-LYA Junior Sail Regatta where Junior Sailors compete for points towards national competition in various racing classes. There is also the Deep Water Sailing Races where skippers compete by classes at Put-in-Bay. Finally there is the I-LYA Senior Sailing Races which have been held for over 100 years with racers gathering at Put-in-Bay to race off the Western Shore. Races can be watched from the shore of Put-in-Bay. Stop by the downtown harbor for a colorful display of sails and sleek racing craft.

July 24-26

Christmas in July

This is by far the biggest and best weekend at Put-in-Bay all summer long! We've even been voted "Best Place for Christmas in July"! The Christmas spirit floods the community and everywhere you look there is an elf or Santa peeking out of a doorway. Island businesses go all out and decorate just like it was the real Christmas. Garland, lights, bells, and Santa hats abound. Holiday drinks are on the menu at most of the local watering holes and island hotels and rental homes are filled to capacity. On Saturday Night, there is a traditional parade of Christmas floats that meanders through the downtown area and on Sunday the Christmas themed car parade excites and delights island visitors young and old. This is by far the busiest weekend of the season so plan ahead accordingly! Hotels and rental homes sell out months in advance, and it is not uncommon for the best hotels and homes to be sold out by February!!! For home rentals or condo reservations, please call 216-898-9951.

AUGUST 2015

This annual auction benefits the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum and begins at 4:00 PM. Viewing of the items for auction begins at 1:00 PM. Bidders can preview live auction items and bid on silent auction items Friday night, August 7, at 4:00 PM. at the Event Center. The auction will be held at the Event Center on Concord. Check the museum website, leihs.org for more info.

August 9

3rd Annual 3W2 FLY-IN

Put-in-Bay, Ohio, located on Lake Erie, is a popular summer resort. But, it also has a growing pilot population and residents who are enthusiastic about antique cars. Sunday, August 10, 2014, aviation meets stylish automobiles at the 3rd Annual 3W2 Fly-in at from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM. The island's weekly Sunday antique car parade will conclude at the airport to combine with the fly-in for a good old style pig roast! Join us! Please remember: Airport is closed dusk to dawn. No parking fees for those attending the fly-in (overnight aircraft shall pay the overnight parking fee). Runway 3/21 is an asphalt runway in excellent condition and is 2,870' X 75'. Monitor 122.8 and look for our volunteers who will assist with parking. 25 cent per gallon fuel discounts available at nearby KPCW (Port Clinton) if you attend the 3W2 Fly-in!

August 11

Bartender Olympics

Sponsored by the Roundhouse Bar, this popular island event is held both on the main strip of Delaware Avenue and inside the red round bar. This friendly but vigorous competition begins at 7:00 PM with a traditional parade around the park and the lighting of the Olympic torch while the national anthem is recited. Almost all of the local bars and restaurants perform unique skits and zany theatrics as they compete for prestige and honor. Events include the parade skit, keg roll, can carry, bartender song, best drink pour, bartender trivia, and the best drink (using the host liquor company's product, of course!). MC'd by Ray Fogg and "Duff", this event always draws a huge crowd to enjoy the fun and silliness.

August 14-15

Volleyball Battle on Put-In-Bay

For more than 25 years, volleyball players have competed in this day long tournament that is so big, it is held both at McCann Field on Toledo Avenue near downtown Put-in-Bay and over on the high school softball field. Over 2,500 players compete in numerous divisions including Open, A, BB, B, C, "Rec"reational. The rules are simple: Co-ed 6s grass; minimum of 2 women on the court; USAV outdoor rules apply; there will NOT be a girl hit rule. The event is sponsored by Lakeview Beach Volleyball. Home reservations should be made as early as possible for this large event by calling 216-898-9951.

August 16

All Sport FUNdamentals Put-in-Bay Charity 5k/10k and Kids FUN Run

All Sport FUNdamentals will kick off its annual charity run on Sunday, August 16, 2015 in the heart of downtown Put-in-Bay, Ohio. The race will begin in DeRivera Park with views of the harbor and Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial and will take you across the island of beautiful South Bass Island. As you race for the finish both 5k and 10k participants will run along shoreline cliffs with views of Rattlesnake, Green, Middle Bass and Gibraltar Islands as well as historic Lonz Winery and Stone Laboratory. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Put-in-Bay Volunteer Fire Department and Senior Center.

August 21

Senior Citizens Day

As a prelude to Key West Days, this day honors and celebrates our older visitors who enjoy coming to the island year after year. Many are snow birds and enjoy the warm temperate Lake Erie summers before going down to Florida to get some more sun while the island gets all icy. This is a great day to visit the Bay and enjoy all the sights and sounds and maybe even discover a new favorite spot!

August 21-23

10th Annual Key West Days at Put-in-Bay

Island entertainers who perform on Put-in-Bay in the summer and in Key West in the winter will participate in the annual "Key West Days at Put-in-Bay." Key West held its first "Put-in-Bay Days" in February of 2005 with a huge turnout of northerners seeking to escape the winter cold. Check our entertainment page for schedules and look for Mike "Mad Dog" Adams, Pete & Wayne, Ray Fogg and Pat Dailey when you visit the island!

August 23

Five-Iron Golf Classic

How often do you get a chance to come to Put-in-Bay and get a chance to take home $10,000 in cash? All you have to do is enter the Five-Iron Classic and sink a hole-in-one! There are also other great prizes for unique golf feats! Plus, there are prize packages for each of the nine holes at the 21st Annual 5-Iron Classic sponsored by E-Z-GO Golf Carts. Four-player teams are permitted to use just a 5-iron and a putter to compete for more than $25,000 in prizes, including a new golf cart, golf bags, clubs, a Bose Stereo, $500 gift card, and more. There are also great raffle prizes, a picnic lunch, beverages and greens fees included in the $120 entry fee. The event starts promptly at 10:00 AM and concludes at 5:30 PM at Saunders Golf Course.

August 31-2

7th Annual Put-in-Bay Road Race Reunion

Classic sports car owners recreate the post WWII road races around the island from 1952-1959 and again in 1963. Put-in-Bay was one of only two places in the U.S. where public roads were closed and lined with bales of hay to provide a sports car racing circuit. Many well-known sports car racers of that era - Chuck Dietrich, Carl Haas and Chuck Stoddard, for example - got their start in racing on the challenging, fast, rough and narrow course at Put-in-Bay. Organizers are pleased to report two significant enhancements in the 2015 race program: the airport course will be expanded from the current .8 mile configuration to approximately 1.2 miles, and also the racing activity will likely be expanded from the present "Tuesday only" event to a race schedule that would begin early Monday afternoon and run a full day on Tuesday.

SEPTEMBER 2015

September 4-7

Annual Labor Day Bash at the Bay Weekend

The end of summer is almost upon us and this is one of the biggest going away parties you will find. Kids are getting ready for classes and this is often the last best chance for families to enjoy a summer vacation to the beautiful island of Put-in-Bay. It's a long weekend so there is lots of time to visit the Monument, see your favorite island entertainer, munch on one of Mr. Ed's famous hamburgers, sip down some lobster bisque, or hang out at the infamous Island Club Big Pool Saturday pool party. This weekend always fills up, so plan ahead! For home rentals or condo reservations, please call 216-898-9951.

September 11-13

Put-in-Bay Historical Weekend

Put-in-Bay celebrates the 202nd anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie on this most historical of weekends. This is a celebration of history, art and music and also a celebration of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's naval victory over the British. Since then, there have been two centuries of peace shared by the United States, Canada and Great Britain. A War of 1812 military encampment can be found on the lawn of the Monument Visitors Center all weekend and over 1,000 Boy Scouts camp out in tents on the Memorial's east lawn for their annual camporee on Lake Erie.

September 12

Historical Weekend Grand Parade

Local and regional dignitaries join over 1,000 Boy Scouts, classic cars, four or more high school marching bands, the captain of the USS Lake Erie, area veterans and 1812 re-enactors for this annual Grand Parade which takes place at 2:15 PM. The parade starts at the school and winds around DeRivera Park to the delight of everyone enjoying a fun historical afternoon. Military members join in and ride with the parade cars.

September 12

Art In The Park

Area and regional arts and craftspeople display and sell their original works in photography, watercolor, acrylic, pottery, silversmithing, glass, stained glass, fabric, wood and paper downtown in an open-air exhibit. Live demonstrations and a silent auction that benefits the Put-in-Bay Arts Council are key activities and enjoyed by the families that attend. This event runs from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM in DeRivera Park.

September 13

Muffins vs. Mossbacks Historical Baseball Game

This annual match is played at the softball field on Concord Avenue next to the school and church. The Ohio Historical Society Muffins challenge the Put-in-Bay Mossbacks using the original rules of baseball. This family friendly game begins at 2:00 PM. Refreshments are available with all proceeds benefitting the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum. The event sponsor is the Miller Boat Line.

September 18-19

42nd Annual New Year's at the BAY!!

The Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to enjoy Monte Carlo casino style gambling on this mock New Years evening. The fun takes place in downtown Put-in-Bay on Delaware Avenue from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Saturday night where they close off the street and set up the tables. The boaters in the Put-in-Bay harbor decorate for this fun festive occasion as this started as a boater tradition. Book your Put-in-Bay hotel or home rental accommodations early as this is one of the year's most popular weekends!

September 19

12th Annual Miller Boat Line 5K Race

Join more than 700 runners in a challenging race around the island. Miller Boat Line sponsors this 5K race and One Mile Family Fun Walk that begins, and ends at the Boathouse Restaurant in downtown Put-in-Bay. Runners describe it as "the most picturesque run in all of Ohio". Winner trophies are very unique and true keepsakes. Race proceeds benefit Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church at Put in Bay. Discounted rooms for participants are offered at the Bay Lodging Resort and may be made by calling 216-898-9951.

September 19

40th Annual Put-in-Bay Fire Department Clambake

The 40th annual island style Clam Bake is sponsored by the Put-in-Bay Volunteer Fire Department. The event is held Saturday afternoon from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Fire Station on Concord Avenue behnd the Senior Center. The Clambake "plate" includes a dozen clams, 1/2 chicken, corn, potato, fresh fruit and vegetables. Carry out is available and encouraged! Tickets are only $25.00 per person for a wonderful meal and a great cause. Proceeds are used to update equipment for the Put-in-Bay island fire department. Call 419-285-7805 to place your carryout order or fax your order to 419-285-3709.

September 25-26

Half-Way To St. Patty's Day

Come visit us for the 14th annual celebration of the half-way mark to St. Patrick's Day. Join in the fun and festivities and celebrate the Irish with Put-in-Bay businesses promoting Irish food and beverages. There is a traditional Irish parade at 1:45 PM on Saturday that kids and adults enjoy with most dressing up in green or in traditional Irish garb. Hooligan's Irish Pub sponsors a Drum and Bagpipe Marching Band for the parade. Other island establishments turn a bit green and enjoy the celebration as well.

Island firefighters hold the annual Texas Holdem Tournaments to raise funds for equipment upgrades for the island department. Two tournaments, one at 12:00 PM and the second at 6:00 PM are held at the fire station on Concord Avenue. Refreshments will be available.

OCTOBER 2015

The unofficial end of Put in Bay summer fun is the annual Put-in-Bay Fall Ball. This event was the original street party which spawned the Spring Fling. It has grown in size each year for almost two decades as more and more people hear about it. The party is hosted at the Island Club Rentals subdivision and is exclusively for guests of the Island Club, Bay Lodging Resort, and Put-in-Bay Condos only. You must be a registered guest at one of these establishments to attend. No exceptions will be made for liability purposes! Be sure to reserve your hotel room or rental home early as this weekend always books up and sells out quickly between the Party, the Wine Fest, and the football games!

What is the Fall Ball? It is a big block party that usually attracts over 1700 people for 2 days of free adult beverages, and a Saturday full of free food and awesome live entertainment to start the season off right! As a bonus for those who will be heading downtown, many island businesses offer great discounts on food and merchandise for party attendees who show their wristbands! Stay tuned for the special guest band --- CHECK BACK SOON!

Remember, book EARLY as this weekend fills fast! For home rentals, please call 216-898-9951.

October 3

11th Annual Island Wine Festival

This fun event is located at the Put-in-Bay Winery downtown just along the street from the Boardwalk. It goes from 11:00 AM until 6:00 PM and admission is only $6. With your admission, you get a souvenier wine glass Guests get to sample hundreds of foreign and domestic wines, including island wines from Heineman Winery and Put-in-Bay Winery, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of good food, and excellent wine. Admission is $6 and includes a souvenir wine glass. Sample tickets are $1 and most samples are in the $1-$4 range. Purchase a full bottle to take home. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Put-in-Bay Winery at the Doller Estate on Bay View Avenue downtown. Winery tours and a large silent auction that benefits the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society are some of the activities.

October 10-11

22nd Annual Island Oktoberfest

This Put-in-Bay family tradition celebrates Oktoberfest with lots of food, good beer, and live entertainment by the ever-popular Maxx Band. Great family fun is had by all on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM and again on Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Come join us and enjoy a wide variety of German foods including spatzel, cabbage rolls, brats, sauerbraten, Wiener schnitzel and all your favorite German sweets! And don't forget the German beer! This event is held under a large tent located on Toledo Avenue across from the BoatHouse. The entry fee is $4.00 for a 1-day pass or $6.00 for a 2-day pass. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. For home rentals or condo reservations, please call 216-898-9951.

October 12

Columbus Day

Most schools are out on Monday to celebrate and honor Christopher Columbus, so why not extend your weekend and stay an extra night? Most hotels that are open in October offer special deals to guests who want to add a Sunday night to their weekend stay. This means you can enjoy Oktoberfest on both Saturday and Sunday and not have to worry about driving home on Sunday night. Spend some quality time with the family on an extended island getaway!

October 16-17

The Wake

This longtime Put-in-Bay tradition celebrates the passing of another summer season. Join friends and islanders for a fun filled weekend, one of the last of the season! The main festivities occur at the Roundhouse Bar and Park Hotel on Saturday night. Guests pay a modest entry fee to go through the "haunted" hotel and pay their respects to the 2015 season which is commemorated by a casket before making their way into the bar for fun, drink, and great entertainment. This has been a 34 year tradition that is still going strong.

October 17

Zombie Fest

This is a new event on the island and we hope you will join us! Why come up with an awesome Halloween costume and only wear it on one weekend? Wear it twice! Yes, the Zombie Fest and Pub Crawl will be a costume-friendly event and especially for the scary and spooky dressed. This new event gives our weekend revelers a second weekend to enjoy the Halloween season and practice their zombie moves.

October 24

Halloween Boo Bash at the Bay

What do you get when you mix over 2,000 people in costume, frosty cold adult beverages, and great live entertainment? You get Ohio's largest island Halloween Party and a great time! Costume Contests with numerous prizes cash prizes take place at Mr. Ed's Bar & Grille! Downtown bars and taverns decorate with a haunting theme! Book early as this weekend usually fills up! This is the island's last big weekend of the year and doors close on Sunday at 11:00 AM sharp, so don't miss out on your last chance to party at Put-in-Bay for 2015!